The countdown to Christmas has begun, with rehearsals starting for the iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto. As ever the show is bursting with rock and pop hits performed by an ensemble of exceptional performers ready to sing, play, dance and sparkle, with familiar friends returning and welcoming some new faces too. This year’s Cinderella, written by Liverpool writer Luke Barnes, runs at the Liverpool Everyman from 17 November to 20 January.
Panto favourite Adam Keast is back for his 21st Everyman show, playing Graham, assistant to glamorous Dame Fairy Godmother Ben Welch, last seen at the Everyman for You’re A Vision, a cabaret night with his company Sheep Soup to celebrate Eurovision. Aminita Francis, who played Cherry Blossom in last year’s Red Riding Hood, is The Queen; she’s recently been nominated for numerous awards for ATC’s Family Tree, seen at the Everyman in May. The Prince will be Thomas Fabian Parrish, who’s theatre credits include Once at the Barn Theatre and several pantos for Watford Palace. Mr Ooglay is played by Zoe West, who was Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at Shakespeare North Playhouse. Their children are Folarin Akinmade, recently seen in Lord of the Rings at The Watermill, Rebecca Levy returns after appearing in The Vernon Girls at Liverpool’s Royal Court and Grace Venus, currently in her final year at LIPA, is making her professional debut as Ellanora. The cast also includes understudies Lydia Rosa Morales Scully and Adam Scott Pringle.
Cinderella is written by Liverpool writer Luke Barnes, whose many credits include All We Ever Wanted Was Everything at the Bush, Bottleneck at Soho, and shows for the Young Vic, Hampstead Theatre, Leeds Playhouse, Middle Child, Manchester Royal Exchange, the Almeida and Hull Truck. Directing will be James Baker, who previously directed Cherry Jezebel at the Everyman and many award-winning musicals including Little Shop of Horrors, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and Jerry Springer – The Opera.
Jamie Noar returns as Arranger and Musical Supervisor, having won Best Musical Director at the UK Pantomime Awards 2022 for Robin Hood at the Everyman. Set and Costume Design is by Isla Shaw, who’s created designs for Leicester Curve, The Globe, Bristol Old Vic and children’s shows including The Witches, The Gruffalo and The Cat in the Hat, and Ryan Joseph Stafford returns as Lighting Designer. The theatres’ resident Sound Designer Ian Davies and Costume Supervisor Jacquie Davies once again bring their talents to the panto. Playing MD is Tara Litvack, who recently finished touring the UK with TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] and the Assistant Director is Joey Colasante.
If there’s going to be a Ball, a guaranteed glitter one, then Cinderella has plenty of brilliant dance expertise too; with Karl Newsam Founder and Creative Director of Melt Dance as Choreographer, and Liverpool based actor, dancer and model Kolade T Ladipo as Vogue Consultant.
James Baker, Director of Cinderella said:
“It’s such a gift to be directing this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto at the beautiful Everyman. We’re bringing together an awesomely talented team to ensure this year’s show has heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle but has plenty of love. As a child, Panto was my first experience at the theatre. It holds such a vital and special place in my heart – this will be my love song to this special city and its iconic Panto.”
Cinderella will have a number of access supported shows, including British Sign Language (22 November at 7.00pm), a Relaxed performance (9 January at 5.30pm), Audio Description (18 January at 1.30pm & 7.00pm) and a Captioned performance (20 Jan at 1.30pm). Plus you can make the most of your panto visit with pre-show Afternoon Teas at selected matinee performances and pre-show dining too, or if you’re coming as a group, you can always throw a panto party!
Mark Da Vanzo, CEO at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse said:
“It’s always a joy to mark the first day of the Everyman Rock n’ Roll Panto rehearsals and we are looking forward to the building being filled with music, fun and plenty of glitter! We know that our panto is held dearly by so many in the city region, bringing family and friends, schools and groups of all ages together and we can’t wait to see you all this festive season.”
Tickets are priced from £16 to £46 and with some performances already sold out, do book soon to be sure of your seats. For full details of Cinderella, visit https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-rock-n-roll-panto-cinderella
